Monday, October 12, 2009
Celebrate a “Green” Halloween
I try to live green and reduce waste as much as I can but the holidays definitely throw me a curve ball. I've been thinking of ways of how to have a green (or at least greener) Halloween. Here are a few eco-friendly Halloween suggestions that are easy to do:
- Give your trick-or-treaters reusable bags or containers that, unlike plastic bags, don’t end up in a landfill after they’re used once.
- Instead of buying new costumes every year, trade kids' costumes with your friends or visit your local used kids' clothing store. After all, with most costumes only being worn once, they'll still look like new. If you want to make your own costume, check out this cool DIY kit from Etsy. You can choose from 15 minute to 2 hour costumes and they come with pre-sewn felt add-ons, needle, thread and instructional YouTube links.
- Choose eco-friendly or local candy, such as organic candy, fair trade chocolate, or Endangered Species chocolate. This kind of candy is not only healthier, it’s produced using methods that don’t damage the environment and in a socially conscious manner.
- Choose locally grown seasonal foods like pumpkins for carving and apples for bobbing. Check out the local farmers markets for these and other seasonal fruits and vegetables, including Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga and Willow Glen.
- Once the jack-o-lanterns have been carved you can use the pumpkin in pies, soups or other dishes. Kids love roasting the pumpkin seeds and they’re a healthy snack. (One of our favorite charities, World Wildlife Fund, has beautiful, free pumpkin carving stencils that you can download.)
The good thing about these green Halloween tips is that they’re easy to implement. Continuing a green lifestyle during the holidays doesn't necessarily have to be challenging, as long as you have some good resources. Please share any tips you have with us!
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